Ally McCoist reveals one reason Rangers missed out on signing Jamie Vardy
During his time as Rangers manager, Ally McCoist urged the board to sign Jamie Vardy while he was on the books at Fleetwood Town.
A decade ago, a 25-year-old Vardy made the switch from Fleetwood Town to Leicester City. At the time, Vardy wouldn’t have imagined in his wildest dreams that he’d end up scoring 134 top-flight goals, winning the Premier League and holding the record for most consecutive games with a goal.
But it all could’ve been very different according to McCoist, who claims he urged Rangers to sign Vardy during his time in charge of the club.
“I tried to get Vardy when he was at Fleetwood, but I couldn’t get the money,” McCoist told talkSPORT.
“My coach John Brown watched Jamie Vardy, and to be fair Bomber had a great eye for a player.
“Bomber watched about 45 minutes and sent me a message saying ‘we need to get this lad.’ But it’s another one that wasn’t to be unfortunately.”
One that got away
Vardy probably doesn’t regret his missed Rangers opportunity after the career he’s gone on to enjoy, but there’s no doubt he would’ve been a hit at Ibrox too had he joined the Gers after their administration in 2012.
Vardy surprised everyone when he took the Premier League by storm upon his arrival, and it would’ve been great to see what he could’ve done for Gers had he been given the chance.
But as McCoist says: “It wasn’t to be.” It’s a shame that financial troubles were the reason behind the failed move, but at least McCoist can brag about his scouting team during his stint at Rangers.
Rangers instead ended up with Jon Daly as their new striker in 2013, and he ended his Gers career with 21 goals from 50 appearances. Not a bad turnout, but definitely not Vardy-esque numbers.
Nevertheless, Rangers still managed to complete an incredible comeback to the Premiership without Vardy, so at least McCoist can look back and laugh.
In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist explodes at a ‘shocking’ James Tavernier moment v Ajax